The Vice Lords are one of Detroit’s oldest and most influential street organizations, with a presence dating back to the 1980s and early 1990s. Multiple branches—Including Traveling Vice Lords (TVL), Insane Vice Lords (IVL), Conservative Vice Lords (CVL), Ebony Vice Lords (EVL), Unknown Vice Lords, Imperial Insane Vice Lords (IIVL), Cicero Insane Vice Lords (CIVL), and Mafia Insane Vice Lords (MIVL)—all operating under the People Nation (5X) banner.
VL identity entered Detroit through early groups like the Skoni Boyz near Eight Mile & Livernois (MIVL-aligned). By the early 1990s the organization had established a major foothold along Plymouth Road, later known as “P-Rock,” still one of Detroit’s most recognizable Vice Lord zones. Common iconography includes the five-pointed star, Playboy bunny, top hat and cane, and the pyramid with crescent moon. Hand signs emphasize “VL” and the number 5. Colors are typically black and gold, with black and red sometimes used as a conflict color.
Detroit’s VL sets are tightly tied to neighborhood identity, music, and local gang history. The organization influenced the formation of several modern Detroit Blood sets, which adopted modified VL literature and symbolism through the 2000s and 2010s. Detroit artists such as Snap Dogg (27 Bronco Boyz), Rocaine (44 Skoni Skams), TOB Juan, TOB Duke, NSC Six, and Cino Corleone have contributed to the group’s visibility.
Other Detroit-area VL sets include the 64/P-Rock MIVLs, RTN/786, Biltmore VLs, M-Block, TOB (Tote On Blicks / Trust Only Brothers), and numerous smaller cliques claiming affiliation.
For definitions of terminology related to activity, conduct, demographics, gang-related terms, identifiers, and classifications used on this page, refer to the site glossary.
For definitions of terminology related to activity, conduct, demographics, gang-related terms, identifiers, and classifications used on this page, refer to the site glossary.
• 1980s: MIVL-aligned Skoni Boyz operated along Eight Mile & Livernois, one of Detroit’s earliest documented Vice Lord presences.
• Early 1990s: IVL and TVL migration into the 48227 ZIP code; Plymouth Road becomes a major headquarters, earning the name P-Rock.
• 2000s–2010s: Multiple local cliques (Bronco Boyz, Skoni Skams, 72 IWL, Imperial Insanes) strengthen the Westside VL network, forming alliances with Detroit-born Blood sets.
• 2010s–2020s: Frequent federal indictments target CVL, CIVL, TVL and MIVL leadership in Detroit and Chicago.
Vice Lords are active both on Detroit streets and inside Michigan correctional facilities, where they have ordered assaults, coordinated extortion, and enforced discipline through their internal rank structure.
For definitions of terminology related to activity, conduct, demographics, gang-related terms, identifiers, and classifications used on this page, refer to the site glossary.
Vice Lords in Detroit are affiliated with the Almighty Vice Lord Nation (AVLN), a Chicago-based street gang aligned with the People Nation (5X) alliance. Identification is commonly based on the use of specific symbols, hand signs, language, and graffiti. As members of the People Nation, Vice Lords often emphasize the “left” side in their symbolism and gestures to signify allegiance.
Common Vice Lord identifiers include the five-pointed star, Playboy bunny (often depicted facing left with straight ears), top hat, cane, martini or champagne glass, and dollar sign. These symbols may appear in tattoos, graffiti, clothing, or written communication. Acronyms referencing specific Vice Lord sets are also used, such as CVL (Conservative Vice Lords), TVL (Traveling Vice Lords), and UVL (Unknown Vice Lords). Numerical references may include “22 12,” representing the letters “V” and “L.”
Hand signs forming the letters “VL” are frequently used, and, consistent with People Nation traditions, signs are often displayed toward the left side. In verbal communication, affiliates may greet one another with phrases such as “All Is Well,” a common People Nation greeting.
Graffiti is widely used by Vice Lord–affiliated sets to mark territory, communicate presence, and convey messages to rival gangs within claimed areas. These markings often combine People Nation symbols with set-specific identifiers.
Vice Lord street gangs are often identified by the criminal activity attributed to them. In Detroit, many Vice Lord–affiliated sets have historically been associated with the illicit drug trade, which has contributed to territorial disputes among rival factions and internal offshoots. Criminal activity varies by set and location but typically occurs within areas the gang claims as its own.
For definitions of terminology related to activity, conduct, demographics, gang-related terms, identifiers, and classifications used on this page, refer to the site glossary.
2024 Federal Convictions
Three Traveling Vice Lords (TVL) members—Terry Douglas, Schuyler Belew, and Devun Baskerville—were convicted of RICO conspiracy, murder, firearms offenses, and drug distribution. The case centered around a 2020 murder in a Detroit park, where Baskerville shot a man alleged to be cooperating with authorities.
2023 Federal Convictions
High-ranking VL leaders from Detroit and Chicago were found guilty of racketeering conspiracy. Detroit members included Kevin Fordham and Eddie Reid.
2021 Federal Indictment
40 individuals tied to Vice Lord branches across Detroit were charged with RICO violations, drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and coordinated prison-to-street activity.
For definitions of terminology related to activity, conduct, demographics, gang-related terms, identifiers, and classifications used on this page, refer to the site glossary.
Vice Lords maintain a traditional hierarchy:
• Kings / Princes: City or regional leadership
• Universal Elites: Cross-branch coordinators
• Enforcers: Discipline and retaliation
• Soldiers: Street-level members and younger affiliates
Members attempting to leave may face assaults or a “green-light”—authorization for violent retaliation.
For definitions of terminology related to activity, conduct, demographics, gang-related terms, identifiers, and classifications used on this page, refer to the site glossary.
Detroit Vice Lords have long-standing presence across:
Westside:
• Plymouth Rd (P-Rock)
• Joy Rd corridor
• Puritan Ave (Crary–St. Marys)
• Martin Park / Livernois area
Northwest Detroit / 8 Mile:
• Santa Barbara Dr / 8 Mile–Livernois (Skoni Skams)
Highland Park / North End:
• TOB-connected cliques
VL graffiti commonly features the top hat, five-point star, rabbit (Imperial), and codes like I-V-12, 20-22-12-14, and IWL.
Major Vice Lord Sets in Detroit, MI
For definitions of terminology related to activity, conduct, demographics, gang-related terms, identifiers, and classifications used on this page, refer to the site glossary.
*In No Particular Order*
| P-Rock IVL | (Detroit, MI) |
| Aliases referenced in reporting or public records have included: | IVL |
| Territory referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Westside – 48227 ZIP Code, Plymouth (“P-Rock”) |
| Affiliation referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Insane Vice Lords, People Nation (5X) |
| Identifiers referenced in reporting or public records have included: | “IVL,” “I-V-12,” 5-Pointed star symbolism |
| Activities referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Drug distribution; graffiti-related vanalism; alleged neighborhood-level intimidation; major street-level disputes; loitering quality of life citations; intoxication-related offenses; reported disruptions of lawful or public meetings; transit fare evasion; and reports of robbery |
| Rivals referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Gangster Disciples, Folk Nation, Crips, Various other block-level street cliques |
| Overview: | One of Detroit’s oldest Insane Vice Lord sets, based along Plymouth Road. Historically strong and still respected by neighborhood OGs, P-Rock IVLs played a central role in solidifying VL presence in the 1990s. Graffiti often features I-V-12, a numeric cipher for Insane Vice Lords. |
| 27BroncoBoyz | (Detroit, MI) |
| Aliases referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Bronco Boyz, 4Way, 427, 27Gang |
| Territory referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Westside – Plymouth & Schaefer, Plymouth & Meyers (48227 ZIP code) |
| Affiliation referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Vice Lords, People Nation (5X) |
| Identifiers referenced in reporting or public records have included: | “27,” “Bronco Boyz,” Denver Broncos sports apparel, Orange bandannas |
| Activities referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Drug distribution; reports of robbery; alleged block-level intimidation; loitering quality of life citations; intoxication-related offenses; reported disruptions of lawful or public meetings; transit fare evasion; and minor street-level disputes |
| Rivals referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Gangster Disciples, Folk Nation |
| Overview: | A modern and highly visible Vice Lord set. Originally known as MOA, the crew rebranded after the 2012 death of Bronco, twin brother of rapper Snap Dogg. They rep “27” for the ZIP (48227) and often throw up “4s” for 427. |
| Notable Rappers referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Snap Dogg, CashPaid Elway |
| P-Rock Travelers | (Detroit, MI) |
| Aliases referenced in reporting or public records have included: | TVLN, TVL |
| Territory referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Westside – 48227 ZIP Code, Plymouth & Greenfield |
| Affiliation referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Travelling Vice Lords, People Nation (5X) |
| Identifiers referenced in reporting or public records have included: | “20-22-12-14,” “TVLN,” 5-Pointed star symbolism |
| Activities referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Racketeering; narcotics trafficking; robbery; alleged neighborhood-level intimidation; reported disruptions of lawful or public meetings; intoxication-related offenses; graffiti-related vanalism; and murder |
| Rivals referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Gangster Disciples, Folk Nation, Crips |
| Overview: | An older Traveling Vice Lord Nation set rooted near Plymouth & Greenfield. Mostly maintained by older members but historically one of Detroit’s most recognized VL branches. Known for the numeric cipher 20-22-12-14. Were apart of a 40 member ATF sweeping indictment against the Almighty Vice Lords Nation. |
| Joy Road Vice Lords | (Detroit, MI) |
| Aliases referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Joy Rd VLs |
| Territory referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Westside – 48228 ZIP Code, Aviation Sub., Joy Rd & Schaefer |
| Affiliation referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Conservative Vice Lords, Insane Vice Lords, People Nation (5X) |
| Identifiers referenced in reporting or public records have included: | “Joy Rd VL,” “GDK,” “CK,” 5-Pointed star symbolism |
| Activities referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Racketeering; narcotics trafficking; robbery; alleged block-level intimidation; graffiti-related vanalism; reported disruptions of lawful or public meetings; intoxication-related offenses; loitering quality of life citations; and murder |
| Rivals referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Gangster Disciples, Folk Nation, Crips |
| Overview: | A historic and likely semi-defunct set. Joy Road VLs once held multiple Vice Lord subsets (CVL + IVL) and were known for long-running hostility toward GDs and anything under the 6. The area once had GD presence, but Vice Lords eventually dominated the territory. Were apart of a 40 member ATF sweeping indictment against the Almighty Vice Lords Nation. |
| PA IVL | (Detroit, MI) |
| Aliases referenced in reporting or public records have included: | 72 IWL, IVL |
| Territory referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Westside – 48227 ZIP Code, Crary/St. Marys neighborhood |
| Affiliation referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Insane Vice Lords, People Nation (5X) |
| Identifiers referenced in reporting or public records have included: | “72 IWL,” “PA IVL,” 5-Pointed star symbolism, Red bandannas |
| Activities referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Racketeering; narcotics trafficking; robbery; alleged block-level intimidation; graffiti-related vandalism; reported disruptions of lawful or public meetings; intoxication-related offenses; loitering quality of life citations; and murder |
| Rivals referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Gangster Disciples, Folk Nation, Crips |
| Overview: | A long-standing IVL set with deep Puritan roots from Biltmore to Winthrop. Known for conflicts with Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips and a strong CK/GDK posture. Often tagged as IWL, PA, or 72. Were apart of a 40 member ATF sweeping indictment against the Almighty Vice Lords Nation. |
| 44 Skoni Skams | (Detroit, MI) |
| Aliases referenced in reporting or public records have included: | 44 Boyz, Sconi Skams, Skoni Boyz |
| Territory referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Northwest – 48221 ZIP code, W. Eight Mile Rd. & Santa Barbara |
| Affiliation referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Mafia Insane Vice Lords, People Nation (5X), Headbanger Bloods (Detroit-born) |
| Identifiers referenced in reporting or public records have included: | “44,” “Skoni,” 5-Pointed star symbolism |
| Activities referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Robbery; narcotics distrubtion; loitering quality of life citations; theft-related incidents; low-level fraud; reported disruptions of lawful or public meetings; intoxication-related offenses; graffiti-related vandalism; minor street-level disputes, and alleged block-level intimidation |
| Rivals referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Gangster Disciples, Folk Nation, Crips |
| Overview: | Descended from the 1980s Skoni Boyz, a historic MIVL-aligned clique. Today, 44 Skoni Skams remain the surviving faction. Members may claim Bloods, MIVL, or simply “Skoni.” Rapper/producer Rocaine is the most visible figure from this set, heavily referencing Santa Barbara (“The Barb”). The clique has longstanding ties to 44 Trey Mafia (TMF Bloods) and Chicago’s Glo Gang. Rocaine’s feud with Pablo Skywalkin—culminating in the track “44 Boyz”—cemented the set’s reputation, contributing to Pablo’s departure from Detroit. |
| Notable Rapper referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Rocaine |
| 72 Imperial Insanes | (Detroit, MI) |
| Aliases referenced in reporting or public records have included: | IIVL, Imperial Insanes |
| Territory referenced in reporting or public records have included: | 48238 ZIP code, Puritan & Parkside, Martin Park neighborhood |
| Affiliation referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Imperial Insane Vice Lords, People Nation (5X) |
| Identifiers referenced in reporting or public records have included: | 5-Pointed star symbolism |
| Activities referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Alleged block-level intimidation; graffiti-related vandalism; narcotics distribution; transit fare evasion; theft-related incidents; low-level fraud; reported disruptions of lawful or public meetings; intoxication-related offenses; loitering quality of life citations; small-scale narcotics dealing; and minor street-level disputes |
| Rivals referenced in reporting or public records have included: | Gangster Disciples, Folk Nation, Crips |
| Overview: | One of the older Imperial Insane Vice Lord branches in the Puritan/Livernois area. Their active presence has declined, but they are still recognized as a historic VL faction with long-standing territory claims in Martin Park. |
Notes & Verification Status
Information is compiled from public records, community reports, and law enforcement sources.
Use of this page is for informational and historical purposes; it is not legal documentation.
Sources:
*Sources are listed in no particular order. Numerical placement does not indicate priority, authority, or primary-source status.*
- 1. DOJ Press Release 2024, Three Members of Violent National Gang Sentenced
- 2. FBI Press Release 2015, Detroit Gang Leader Sentenced to 35 Years for Violent Racketeering-Related Crimes
- 3. DOJ Press Release 2023, Three Leaders of a Violent National Gang Convicted of RICO in Detroit
- 4. ATF Press Release 2021, Forty Members and Associates of Violent Street Gang Indicted
- 5. Detroit Free Press 2024, ‘The worst of the worst’ — 3 convicted Detroit gangsters get stiff sentences
- 6. Click On Detroit Local 4 2021, 40 charged in sweeping indictment involving Detroit gang known as the ‘Vice Lords’
- 7. Detroit Police Department Weekly Report on ShotSpotter Activity, Report Date: Monday, October27, 2025
- 8. FBI Offense Definitions, Crime In The United States 2011
- 9. Daily Overview Crime Report, Detroitmi.gov site PDF, Tuesday, November 4, 2025
- 10. Bridge Detroit Article 2025, Detroit Police Department has mountains of crime data. Here’s how to navigate it
- 11. Detroit RMS Crime Incidents Map, Detroitmi.gov site